World Nineball Tour Legends to Feature Pool Greats Reyes, Bustamante, Strickland, and Souquet in Manila

MANILA — The World Nineball Tour (WNT) Legends event is set to take place from January 22 to 24, 2026, bringing together four of the most celebrated figures in professional pool history. Filipino champions Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante will join American Earl “The Pearl” Strickland and German Ralf “The Kaiser” Souquet in what promises to be a memorable tribute to the sport’s global impact. Reyes expressed his enthusiasm saying, \"I never expected something like this to happen at this stage of my career. To play again in front of the Filipino fans, with my friends and rivals from all over the world, is very special. This event will be full of memories — old ones and new ones — and I\'m excited to be part of it.\" Bustamante, the 2010 World 9-Ball champion, highlighted Manila’s significance in his career, commenting, \"To compete in an event that celebrates our history, our battles, and what we’ve brought to the sport — it’s an honor. The fans will love this. It will feel like the old days again.\" Strickland, with over 100 tournament victories and three world titles under his belt, is eager to rekindle legendary rivalries. \"I’ve played these guys for decades, and every match has a story. This is a chance to show the world what real legends look like — the intensity, the skill, the personality,\" he remarked. Strickland was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 2006. Souquet, a multiple-time European and world pool champion, also voiced his excitement. \"The four of us have shared so many incredible moments in this sport, and to reunite for an event of this magnitude is something truly unique. I’m grateful for the invitation and excited to compete once again at the highest level, in front of fans who appreciate the history of the game,\" said the German star. The tournament, organized in partnership with Puyat Sports, will be broadcast live across the Philippines via One Sports and the Pilipinas Live App, with international streaming available on WNT TV. Further details regarding the venue, tournament format, ticketing, and pay-per-view access will be disclosed shortly. Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, founder of Puyat Sports, called the event \"a proud moment for Philippine billiards. To host an event that brings together these legendary champions is something fans here have dreamed of for many years. Efren and Django are icons in our country, and Earl and Ralf are giants of the global game. WNT Legends will be a celebration of history, respect, and the magic of pool — all happening right here in Manila.\"

Subic Bay Honors Top 10 Outstanding Freeport Workers for 2025

Subic Bay Freeport—In its 24th year, the Search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers for 2025 culminated in an awards ceremony held on Wednesday, November 26, at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. The event, jointly organized by the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), highlighted the achievements of individuals who have played pivotal roles in enhancing the Freeport's standing as a model of exemplary employment practices. Themed "Dakila ka, Manggagawa," the recognition emphasized the awardees’ dedication and professionalism that continue to propel the Freeport’s growth in partnership with industry stakeholders. Atty. Melvin Varias, SBWDFI president and SBMA Labor Department manager, remarked, "Today we celebrate the strength and excellence of the Subic Bay Freeport workforce. The Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers exemplify discipline, professionalism, and dedication—values that drive the continuous growth of our community." The selection process, overseen by the Board of Judges chaired by P/Lt. Mary Ann Sadaba of the Philippine National Police-Olongapo City, involved 21 nominees—12 from supervisory roles and 9 from rank-and-file positions. Each candidate was thoroughly assessed across multiple categories recognizing their vital contributions to the Freeport's success. The honored 2025 recipients include Rowena M. Picardal and Alvin A. Dagdagan from the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation; Charrie Mae M. Borja and Alpha Eris M. Reyes from Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center Baypointe, Inc.; Abraham S. Ayson of Wistron Infocomm (Philippines) Corporation; Darren N. Dacanay from PTT Philippines Corporation; Maureen S. Dela Cruz and Katrina Anne R. Valenzuela of PlayAsia Support Subic Ltd. Inc.; Jenny Y. Dela Cruz from Royal Duty Free Shops, Inc.; and Lex Byron D. Magrata representing the SBMA Public Relations Department. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, serving as guest of honor, extended his congratulations, stating, "To our Outstanding Freeport Workers, you are not just valued—you are essential. Your talent, dedication, and hard work fuel the heart of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone." He also praised the SBWDFI for its sustained commitment over 24 years in recognizing workers who surpass routine responsibilities by uplifting industries, inspiring colleagues, and fortifying community foundations. The Search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers annually acknowledges employees from various Freeport enterprises, celebrating their exceptional performance and significant roles in fostering productivity and harmony within the zone.

Warning Issued Over Fake News Article Mimicking GMA News Online

A fraudulent news article falsely presented as a genuine post from GMA News Online has been disseminated across the internet. The counterfeit piece includes a fabricated interview between Finance Secretary Frederick Go and journalist Karen Davila, crafted to resemble content from GMA Network Inc.'s official news website. This fake article promotes investments and incorporates links that appear to be phishing attempts, potentially compromising users who click on them. Importantly, the article's web address does not correspond to any official GMA Network, Inc. or GMA News Online URLs. Authorities have issued warnings urging the public to remain vigilant against such deceptive articles falsely claiming affiliation with GMA's digital properties. For verified news, GMA News Online can be accessed through the official website at https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ or gmanews.tv. Additionally, the public is encouraged to download the GMA News Online mobile application to access accurate, up-to-date news content. Maintaining awareness and utilizing legitimate sources are critical to avoiding misinformation and online scams.

Century Peak Holdings Avoids Trading Suspension Following Timely Report Submission

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) confirmed that Century Peak Holdings Corp. (CPM), owned by businessman Willie Keng, has averted a trading suspension by submitting its quarterly report for the period ending September 30. In a statement dated November 27, the PSE announced that CPM shares will remain tradable as the company complied with the exchange's reportorial requirements.\n\n\"Given its compliance with the structured reportorial requirements of the Exchange, the trading of CPM shares will no longer be suspended on December 1,\" the PSE said.\n\nPreviously, the bourse issued a warning on November 25 indicating that both Century Peak and Suntrust Resort Holdings would face suspension of their shares starting December 1 if they failed to file their respective quarterly reports by November 29.\n\nWhile Century Peak fulfilled its obligations, Suntrust Resort Holdings has yet to submit its quarterly report. Consequently, should the PSE enforce its notice, Suntrust’s shares will be suspended from trading. The company’s latest filing was its general information sheet on November 28.\n\nSuntrust is primarily owned by Fortune Noble Ltd. of Hong Kong, with Megaworld Corp. holding a 34-percent stake. The PSE continues to monitor compliance to ensure market transparency and safeguard investor interests.

Quezon City Awards P1M Grants to Seven Innovative Startups in Cohort 4 Demo Day

The Quezon City Government has presented P1-million equity-free grants to seven distinguished startups during the Startup QC Cohort 4 Demo Day. Hosted in partnership with startup accelerator Launchgarage, the event brought together founders, investors, and policymakers to recognize the city’s emergence as the Philippines’ innovation and startup hub. Out of nine finalists, seven were selected for their innovative, scalable, and socially impactful solutions spanning various sectors including clean energy, human resources, recreation, health innovation, and digital transformation. The grant recipients include: - **Briyo**, specializing in modular bamboo-based wind and hydro turbines tailored for off-grid communities; - **Hireable**, an AI-driven platform matching freelancers with jobs and measuring KPIs; - **Kazam On-Demand Services**, an online marketplace for part-time household labor; - **Laro**, a sports and recreation booking and community app; - **Agap.ai**, an AI tool for parents to monitor child developmental milestones; - **Soolok**, a proptech solution streamlining foreclosure data and enabling home acquisition within 45 days; - **Xamun.AI**, an AI platform that rapidly converts business requirements into customized applications. These startups illustrate Quezon City’s proactive approach in addressing everyday challenges faced by Filipinos. Hireable and Kazam mirror the shift towards hybrid and gig economy work, providing flexible employment options and equitable access for freelancers and informal workers. Agap.ai assists parents with early developmental screening, supporting early interventions beyond traditional healthcare systems, aligning with the city’s mission of inclusive child welfare. Collectively, these startups demonstrate how innovation in Quezon City is practical, socially conscious, and designed to enhance lives while advancing sustainability and technological progress. The Startup QC Program offers startups vital support including funding, mentorship, and connections to a dynamic innovation ecosystem. This initiative drives inclusive economic growth, sustainability, and digital advancement citywide. In addition to financial grants, the program emphasizes capacity building and networking opportunities with investors and potential clients. Looking ahead, the city is preparing to launch the Business Investment and Trade Incentives for Startups (BITIS) Ordinance, aimed at offering fiscal incentives and fostering a nurturing environment for startup growth. The Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO) will lead its rollout under the Invest with QC campaign. This ongoing commitment reinforces Quezon City’s role as a key player in the Philippine startup ecosystem, nurturing entrepreneurial talent and innovation.

Kuya Issues Stern Warning Over Rule Violations in Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab 2.0

In the latest episode of "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0," Kuya delivered a firm admonition to the housemates following a series of rule violations. He expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that the infractions went beyond simple mistakes to a breach of trust and respect. "Ang inyong mga violations ay hindi lang pagkakamali, ito ay pagsasawalang bahala ng aking tiwala," Kuya stated, adding, "Hindi lang ito paglabag, ito ay kawalan ng respeto." Reported infractions included laughing at inappropriate moments and ignoring prior agreements among housemates. Kuya underscored his disapproval, saying, "I am truly disappointed sa inyong lahat." He provided a detailed account of violations committed by each group and individual members: **Big Back Dreamers:** 19 violations in total - Princess Aliyah: 7 - Caprice Cayetano: 1 - Krystal Mejes: 2 - Joaquin Arce: 9 **Interlinked Minds:** 32 violations - Fred Moser: 6 - Inigo Jose: 13 - Heath Jornales: 5 - Lee Victor: 8 **Palabanghels:** 39 violations - Rave Victoria: 13 - John Clifford: 6 - Lella Ford: 15 - Sofia Pablo: 5 **Astig Divas:** 20 violations - Anton Vinzon: 2 - Miguel Vergara: 3 - Ashley Sarmiento: 5 - Carmelle Collado: 10 As a disciplinary measure, Kuya introduced several jail cells inside the house, instructing the housemates to enter them whenever an alarm sounds. Failure to comply will result in additional violation points being recorded against their names. "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0" continues to air on GMA Network on weeknights at 9:40 p.m., Saturdays at 6:15 p.m., and Sundays at 10:05 p.m.

Suns End Lakers' Seven-Game Win Streak Behind Brooks' 33 Points and Strong Team Defense

The Phoenix Suns secured a convincing 125-108 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, snapping Los Angeles' seven-game winning streak. Dillon Brooks spearheaded the effort with a game-high 33 points, while Collin Gillespie contributed 28 points, shooting 8-of-14 from beyond the arc. Mark Williams and Jordan Goodwin each added 13 points, and Royce O'Neale dished out 11 assists, helping Phoenix bounce back from two consecutive losses to open a four-game road stretch. Devin Booker, who scored 11 points in just 10 minutes during the first quarter, was forced to exit the game due to a groin injury. He observed the remainder of the contest from the sidelines in street clothes. Head coach Jordan Ott indicated that further updates on Booker's condition would be available on Tuesday. Prior to his departure, Booker reached the milestone of 17,000 career points in his 11 NBA seasons, becoming the third-youngest player to achieve 17,000 points and 3,600 assists at 29 years and 32 days of age, trailing only LeBron James and Oscar Robertson. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 38 points and 11 rebounds, supported by Austin Reaves’ 16 points. Despite the loss, LeBron James returned from a foot soreness to score 10 points, extending his record to 1,297 consecutive games with double-digit scoring. The Lakers, who committed 22 turnovers resulting in 32 Phoenix points, suffered only their third defeat in 16 games, occurring on the second night of a back-to-back home stretch. After a balanced 31-31 first quarter, the Lakers briefly held a 41-35 lead in the second quarter following Booker’s exit. However, Phoenix intensified its defense and closed the half on a dominant 19-4 run to lead 66-52. Brooks was especially dominant, scoring 15 points in the second quarter and adding another 10 in the third, propelling Phoenix to a 96-77 advantage entering the final period. In addition to Booker’s absence, the Suns were missing Grayson Allen for the eighth time in nine games due to illness. Deandre Ayton, the 2018 first overall draft pick by Phoenix, contributed 12 points and nine rebounds against his former team. Phoenix’s resilience and balanced scoring ultimately subdued the Lakers, signaling a strong start to their challenging road trip.

Co-Living Communities Gain Momentum in Metro Cebu Amid Traffic and Housing Challenges

The rise of co-living communities in Metro Cebu is gaining significant traction as worsening traffic bottlenecks and increasing rental prices compel young professionals to seek housing alternatives that minimize commutes and monthly expenses. With daily travel times frequently approaching an hour each way and conventional rentals consuming a large portion of incomes, demand is surging for flexible, strategically located units. Bryle Mendaros, estates development manager for Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) in Cebu, shared insights in an interview on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, highlighting that ALI is enhancing its co-living offerings as the market matures. He explained, \"When you buy a condo, you face multiple extra costs. Here, you only pay rent and utilities. You’re also in a secure environment.\" On the same day, ALI held a soft opening for its second CityFlats property situated along Leyte Loop within Cebu Business Park (CBP). The development features 392 fully furnished, move-in-ready rooms. Mendaros revealed that this project would be ALI’s last co-living development in Cebu \"for the interim,\" as the company shifts focus toward filling its current inventory. Earlier this year in April, ALI launched its first CityFlats at Cebu IT Park, comprising 466 rooms in total, including 396 co-living units and 70 hostel rooms. He noted that the existing units can be rented out by targeting the large workforce in both CITP and CBP, as well as the student population. A significant portion of renters at Cebu IT Park originate from neighboring islands. Responding to market feedback, ALI has relaxed previous leasing restrictions. Units that were once available on three- to six-month contracts can now be rented for as short as one to two months, appealing to project-based workers and transient residents. CityFlats CBP also demonstrates inclusivity, with each floor incorporating units specifically designed for persons with disabilities. Eighty percent of the units in CityFlats CBP cater to co-living arrangements, while the remaining 20% are hostel rooms competitively priced against platforms like Airbnb, yet offering enhanced hotel-style amenities such as daily housekeeping and reliable Wi-Fi. In a separate interview, Joey Roi Bondoc, research director at Colliers Philippines, affirmed the growing role of co-living spaces in resolving two key challenges for employees: traffic congestion and housing affordability. \"As more business process outsourcing employees and entry-level professionals work within central business hubs, the demand for such facilities is expected to rise,\" Bondoc said. \"Developers will need to distinguish their offerings through amenities and pricing to stay competitive.\"

Anthony Edwards Leads Timberwolves to Overtime Victory Against Pelicans

Anthony Edwards delivered a standout performance with 44 points, spearheading the Minnesota Timberwolves' comeback from a 13-point first-half deficit to secure a 149-142 overtime victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Edwards made six of 13 three-point attempts and played almost the entire game, resting only briefly in the second quarter, totaling 47 minutes and 27 seconds on the court. Rudy Gobert supported the effort with 26 points and 13 rebounds, while Naz Reid contributed 18 points off the bench. Jaden McDaniels added 17 points, and Julius Randle finished with 16 for Minnesota. For the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III made an impressive return from an elbow injury, tallying 33 points and 15 rebounds. Saddiq Bey also posted 22 points, with rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears each scoring 21 points. Late in regulation, the Pelicans held a 129-125 lead and possession. However, Donte DiVincenzo's crucial steal from Jose Alvarado led to a McDaniels basket. After Fears missed a potential go-ahead shot with 13.6 seconds left, Edwards tied the game with a decisive layup at 2.3 seconds remaining. Queen then missed a final shot over Gobert as time expired. Turnovers undermined the Pelicans in the final moments, and they were unable to contain Edwards, Randle, and Gobert in overtime. Gobert established momentum early for Minnesota with 10 points and six rebounds in the first quarter, helping the Wolves take a 31-25 lead. Reid mirrored Gobert's impact in the second quarter by scoring 13 points in nine minutes, although the Pelicans' defense limited Edwards' involvement during that stretch. New Orleans shot an efficient 15-for-23 in the second quarter, turning a 55-all tie into a 68-55 lead. Minnesota closed the half with a three-point play by Gobert, narrowing the gap to 68-58. Despite suffering a knee collision with Pelicans' Micah Peavy late in the third quarter, Edwards played through the pain and exploded for 19 points in the period, shooting 6-of-9 overall and a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. Minnesota's effective zone defense helped reduce New Orleans' lead to 103-100 heading into the final quarter. The fourth quarter saw frequent lead changes, but Minnesota ultimately prevailed in an intense overtime session. This hard-fought win underscores the Timberwolves' resilience and Edwards' emergence as a key offensive force.

Philippine Peso Decline Dampens PSEi Performance Amid Profit-Taking

The Philippine peso weakened against the US dollar on Wednesday, exerting downward pressure on the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) amid heightened profit-taking activity. The local currency closed at 58.92 per US dollar, depreciating from Tuesday's 58.52 finish. It opened the session at 58.55 and fluctuated within a range of 58.50 to 58.92, with the daily average exchange rate settling at 58.75. Trading volume declined to USD 1.41 billion from the previous day's USD 1.49 billion. The PSEi reflected this currency weakness and cautious market sentiment, ending the day 1.48 percent lower at 5,905.84 points. The broader All Shares index also fell by 0.31 percent, closing at 3,464.79 points. Sector performance was predominantly negative, led by the Services sector, which declined by 2.61 percent. The Financials sector dropped 1.17 percent, followed by Industrials (-1.04 percent), Holding Firms (-0.90 percent), and Property (-0.51 percent). In contrast, the Mining and Oil sector was the sole gainer, inching up by 0.34 percent. Market volume reached 889.92 million shares, with a total value of PHP 6.87 billion. Decliners outnumbered advancers, standing at 105 to 86, while 46 stocks remained unchanged. Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corporation, commented, \"Market sentiment was subdued due to the depreciation of the Philippine peso against the US dollar. Overall trading remained cautious as investors awaited clearer market signals.\"